Thursday, March 19, 2020

Temples of Vrindavan take protective measures to deal with the COVID-19 threat

The ancient town of
Vrindavan is the land of some of the most famous temples in India. Thousands of
devotees not just from India but across the globe visit this temple town every day. But
in the light of COVID-19 threat, many temples have been shut down as a protective measure against the spread of Coronavirus. Temple authorities have also been
quick to take the decision of disinfecting the temple premises on a timely
basis. Due to the increasing threat of COVID-19, public places like temples
have seen exponential fall of visitors.

ISKCON Temple Vrindavan
closed till March 31 –

After conducting the
discussion with the members of the governing body of ISKCON, temple management has
decided to completely shut down the temple till March 31. The decision has been
taken as a precautionary measure against the increasing threat of COVID-19. It should
be noted that the ISKCON temple in Vrindavan is visited by thousands of devotees every
day.

Deserted ISKCON Temple after the shutdown

Empty market lanes in front of ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan

Earlier, temple management had arranged for the screening of devotees
before permitting them inside the premises. Additionally, yearly Krishna-Balrama
Ratha Yatra and the famous Boat-Festival scheduled for March 18 and March 19 respectively have also been cancelled by temple authorities. During the shutdown, the daily
rituals of the temple will be observed uninterrupted by temple priests.

Disinfecting Banke
Bihari Ji Temple –

To protect the visitors
from COVID-19, temple authority at the world-famous Banke Bihari Ji temple has made
arrangements to disinfecting the temple premises on a timely basis. Moreover, an advisory has been issued for the workers of the temple to ensure safeguarding against contracting the virus. Temple management also distributed medicines to
the temple staff.

The ongoing Brahmotsava celebrations
at the famous Rang Ji temple have been cut short as the precautionary measure against
COVID-19. The Chief Executive Officer of the temple Anagha Srinivasan informed
that for the safety of the public, the yearly processions of Lord Sri
Goda-Rangamannar will not take their usual route but will be carried out within
the temple premises.

Rang Ji Temple decorated with colorful lights on the occasion of Brahmotsava

Earlier, the famous Ratha Yatra which was scheduled for
March 18 had been cancelled by the temple authority. It was only the second
time in the 171 year history of the Brahmotsava that the Ratha Yatra was
cancelled.